Volunteer Placement Program

The OSU Volunteer Placement Program is designed to place students with non-profit agencies in Stillwater to help with community needs. This program will help students who are interested in pursuing a recurring volunteer experience. Students who participate will have the opportunity to connect with other students and network within the Stillwater community. 

How it Works

Students will apply to the program and then be matched with the respective agency based on interests and skills. The SVC is aiming for students to gain 50 hours during the semester, however, the amount of time volunteered is ultimately up to the student and agency.

Community Partners

Discover our local agencies we are partnered with to provide volunteer opportunities for students.

• Karman Korner Resale Shop

  Who We Are

  We are Karman Korner Resale Shop, located at 819 S. Main Street in Stillwater, OK. This is our 30th year to be helping the Stillwater community. We are a non-profit resale shop that takes donations of clothing, furniture, and household goods and sells them to the public. Proceeds from Karman Korner benefit area families and patients of Karman Legacy Hospice, Stillwater Medical Center Home Health, and Stillwater Cancer Center who can demonstrate financial need.

  Positions Available

  We are almost entirely staffed by volunteers. Our volunteers run the register, take in donations, sort, clean and process donation. We have a constant need for people who can hang, steam and tag our clothing that comes in daily. We also have needs in our Household, shoes, linens and book areas. You can work as much or as little as you want. We are very flexible. There is a short application that will need to be filed out before you can start volunteering. We train as we work, so there is no need to come in for special training.

• Karman Legacy Hospice

  Who We Are

  Hospice is a special kind of care designed to support and comfort people living with a terminal illness. When a family receives hospice services a whole team of people are assigned to see that they receive the most complete and comprehensive care possible; and an incredibly important member of that team is the Hospice Volunteer.

  Positions Available

  Karman Legacy Hospice volunteers receive training, which teaches them about what hospice care is and it prepares them to provide care to patients and their families. But hospice volunteers are not all direct patient care volunteers. Many of the volunteers work in the office, some help with administrative assistance, special events and projects. They often come to us with an idea to serve a patient. Volunteers provide valuable emotional support to both patients and families and keep families connected to the community. They fill many of the gaps and help wherever needed such as providing respite to caregivers and family members and being a companion to the patient. A hospice volunteer is a special and necessary part of the team, is caring, open, and accepting of life, affirms life and enriches others' lives, is emotionally mature, is comfortable talking about death and dying, and serves as an extra set of eyes and ears for quality patient care. As a volunteer of the hospice team, you will help provide warmth and compassion to patients and their families. You may help with running errands for patients, being present with the patients, reading or listening to music with the patients, assisting with mailings, helping with office functions and community outreach. We work well with potential volunteers to find their spot with hospice. Volunteers work at their own pace and time schedule they have to give to volunteer. All volunteer positions require training from KLH staff. We want our volunteers to understand why we’re here and why we do what we do.

• Our Daily Bread

  Who We Are

  Our Daily Bread Food and Resource Center is a nonprofit organization comprised of progressive-minded staff and volunteers working to end hunger by addressing the root causes in Payne County.

  Positions Available

  We are set up like a small grocery store with a shopping floor and a warehouse. Multiple times each week we open our doors for “Shopping Sessions” where our guests are treated to the lovely experience of choosing their groceries with the help of out of volunteer shopping assistants. Other tasks where our volunteers thrive are in sorting donations and stocking the shopping floor. Volunteer opportunities are available Monday through Thursday 9am to 5pm with some variation. 

   

  Visit our website for more information!

• Humane Society

  Who We Are

  We are a private animal shelter that transfers cats and dogs into our shelter from our many partner shelter's euthanasia lists. Once an animal enters our shelter door, we keep them happy and healthy until they pick their families no matter how long that takes. We are located at 1710 S. Main Street, Stillwater, OK. We are open Tuesday through Friday 1:00-6:00 pm, Saturday 11:00 am-5:00 pm and Sunday 1:00-5:00 pm.

  Positions Available

  We rely on volunteers to socialize the animals and keep our shelter clean and organized during the hours that we are open. Working with our shelter animals is very rewarding to the animals and to our volunteers. Our volunteers must be signed up through our Volgistics volunteer website https://hspets.org/volunteer/ They can visit our website www.hspets.org for more information.

• Elite Repeat

  Who We Are

  Elite Repeat Serving Stillwater is a nonprofit resale boutique located in downtown Stillwater, Oklahoma. We offer fine quality used, recycled and upcycled items. We sell clothing, shoes & accessories, jewelry, linens, small appliances, furniture, home decor, cookware, books, toys, art and craft supplies and many other things. We also sell treasures of all kinds. Most of our treasures are very inexpensive, but occasionally we receive treasures of great value.

   

  Elite Repeat is an all-volunteer operated organization and gained profits (after operating expenses) are donated to other community nonprofits such as Our Daily Bread, The Mission of Hope and Lions Meadow of Hope.

  Positions Available

  Volunteers are assigned in various jobs within our store as needed. Generally our most pressing need is for back door attendants on Friday afternoons (1-4 pm) and Saturday mornings (10 am-1 pm). Even so we are also in need of volunteers at other times during the week.

   

  This assignment includes collecting and sorting donations and helping with other chores in the processing area in the back of the store. Volunteers would gain an increased knowledge of donation process and serve as a positive face of this volunteer organization when accepting donations. Decision making skills will also be enhanced as the volunteer accepts or does not accept (items that we do not sell) donations and then sorts them for distribution within and outside our store. Elite Repeat depends upon dedicated and reliable volunteers who commit to sharing their time on a consistent basis. We want students who will maintain a constant schedule (for example, agree to work every Saturday or every other Saturday) just as they would if this were a paid position. We are happy to help manage and sign-off on volunteer hours if required for accountability. We will require each volunteer to complete an application and would like to personally meet potential workers to gain insight in to their capabilities and work ethic. This also gives students a sense of the work environment at Elite Repeat and the requirements of working with our organization.

• Stillwater Literacy Council

  Who We Are

  The council’s tutors instruct students using one-on-one classes and small group classes. Tutors and students will collaborate with each other's learning, and group setting, with more than 5 students.

  Positions Available

  Step Forward series by Oxford Picture Dictionary, our core curriculum is recommended to tutors. The council encourages the use of a variety of materials available to ESL and BL students. BL instruction uses programs such as Voyager by Newman, How to Read for Everyday Living by Siboney Learning Group. Tutors are referred to as Lit Start by Frey for background in tutoring techniques. Tutors use dialogue with their students and use a conversational style in their target language.

  Comprehension and fluency are taught. Vocabulary is staged at different levels of difficulty for students. Vocabulary is expanded as the students’ progress and their language abilities improve. Tutors use everyday life skills such as grocery shopping, paying bills, eating out, cooking, and various everyday situations to teach language fluency.

  Reading stories together, conducting discussions over readings, is used in many instances. Reading is encouraged for the entire family. Students are encouraged to share what they read in class and with family members at home. Storybooks are given to students to share with their children and family members.

  Tutors take students on trips, visiting various historical sites and points of interest around Stillwater. Stillwater Public Library Board provides office space, at no cost, for SLC offices. The office serves as tutoring location, training, resource library, and location for files. Office is available to tutors and students during regular library hours. The office serves as a Board meeting room. We can have 1-2 tutors and students tutoring in the office area at one session. Tutors may use other locations such as OSU campus, local coffee shops and churches.

  As a SLC tutor, I will: Be committed to work with the program for one year. Complete tutor training. Nine hours of initial training of Open Minds workshops. Tutors must participate in at least one continuing education training annually which equals 3 hours follow-up. Notify the Director of time, day, and location of tutoring. Report attendance by the 5th of each month through the link or email, sent by the SLC Executive Director. Call or email the Executive Director to discuss or report progress/problems or to report any breaks of tutoring longer than two weeks to the Director. Work with the learner and Executive Director to select appropriate curriculum and teaching materials. Return teaching materials that can be reused. Meet learners on a regular basis at least once weekly for an hour to hour and half. Assist learners in identifying specific learning goals. Treat learners with respect and maintain a learner-centered team approach to learning. Maintain learner confidentiality. Provide updates on progress as requested by the Director. Abide by the rules/expectations of the program, as stated in guidelines. Be patient, sensitive, dependable, and flexible. I understand that I may use the space provided in the SLC office for learner instruction. Use of this space is conditioned upon the space being left in a neat and orderly condition.

  Training offered is 10 hours. Six hours for new tutors, three continuing education for returning tutors, one orientation session for all tutors. Many of the training courses are webinars from Pro Literacy, Oklahoma Dept. of Libraries and Oklahoma Literacy Coalition. Many of the training are from the series of Jayme Adelson-Goldstein about Teaching in a Virtual Learning Environment, Oklahoma Department of Libraries and ProLiteracy.

• Birthright of Stillwater

  Who We Are

  Birthright of Stillwater is a non-profit pregnancy and family resource center that aims to help any and all individuals and families in need of encouragement and help from generational or situational poverty. According to the most recent US census and the United Way Payne County's Community Status Report, about 60% of children in the public school system are identified as living in poverty. It is our mission at Birthright to help these families during the hard times of not only parenting, but also the economic hardships that can be experienced as a parent in this day and age. In a nutshell, we offer diaper assistance, clothing assistance, emotional peer support, pregnancy testing, and generally encouraging families to not only keep going, but to find the hope and joy that is in even the most chaotic of situations. Each month, we aim to focus on a different strategic theme. As a Birthright Volunteer, depending on the level of desired involvement, there can be many opportunities to be involved with events, classes, and generally striving to make a difference in the lives of the families that reach out for assistance. 

  Positions Available

  We are always open to different volunteers that can serve in-office or out of office. Out of office volunteers are put into our GroupMe conversations and have full opportunity to assist and be involved in any and all Birthright events and classes. In-office puts the volunteer on our weekly recurring volunteer schedule. Shifts are typically one to two hours, depending on volunteer availability. Office hours are Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays 10am to 2pm and Wednesdays from 2pm to 5pm. The weekly in-office schedule typically stays the same each season / quarter. Right now, we have two in-office spots open on Monday afternoons (12-2pm) and Friday mornings (10-12am).

   

  There is an application process to become a Birthright Volunteer. After turning in a filled out app, a meeting will be set with the Director, which is a casual conversation going over the volunteer application. 

   

  Office Phone: 405-377-5683

  Mobile Phone: 405-332-1555

   

• Stillwater Mobile Meals

  Who We Are

  Stillwater Mobile Meals is a non-profit organization that delivers meals Monday through Friday at noontime to elderly, homebound and convalescing citizens of Stillwater. To be eligible for meals, a client must live in the city limits of Stillwater and be unable to effectively shop or prepare “balanced” meals for themselves Each client is individually interviewed in order to appropriately assess and accommodate their needs. Present cost is $5.00 per meal. We have proudly been serving Stillwater since 1972. While Stillwater Mobile Meals is not federally or state funded, it is supported by the United Way of Payne County and donations from individuals, clubs and organizations.

  Positions Available

  Stillwater Mobile Meals is looking for volunteers that are 18 and older with a current driver's license and insurance to drive routes. They are also looking for volunteers to help pack the coolers in the kitchen. 

• Stillwater Animal Welfare

  Who We Are

  Animal Welfare is a division of the Stillwater Police Department and is a matter of public safety.

  We provide an immediate response to emergencies concerning animals within city limits to attempt apprehension (in a safe, humane manner) of any dog, cat or other domestic animal or fowl that becomes a nuisance or is a threat or danger to any resident in Stillwater. 

  Positions Available

  Stillwater Animal Welfare volunteers are responsible for walking dogs, socializing with cats, bathing dogs, taking pictures and videos of animals for social media content, and light cleaning around the shelter. Our hours are Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm, closed on city-observed holidays. We have two different forms that you will need to fill out before volunteering. Come hang out with shelter animals who need love and attention! Our address is 1710 S Main St, Stillwater OK. Glass doors that say ANIMAL WELFARE is where we are located. You can find us on Facebook at STILLWATER ANIMAL WELFARE

• Renaissance Assisted Living 

  Who We Are

  Renaissance Assisted Living is a senior retirement community, housing residents who are in need of assistance with daily living tasks, as well as a separate memory care building, which houses residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnoses. The seniors who reside at the facility are fantastic people with many stories to share, and are always excited for opportunities to socialize and be entertained.

  Positions Available

  What our facility looks for in volunteers is fun, upbeat, positive people who wish to volunteer their time to help assist with/lead activities, including art projects, games, outings, exercise routines, etc., help with outdoor projects, such as helping clear the overgrowth from around the pond in order for residents to enjoy fishing, and helping with large community events, such as dog adoptions, blood drives, OSU Homecoming Parade, and Walk to End Alzheimer’s.

   

  We love people to visit and share their talents with our residents. They love music, movies, games, and animals! We are always looking for new activity ideas as well, and believe the more the merrier when it comes to volunteers and opportunities to make these seniors happy.

   

  If you are interested in our facility, please contact Karri James, Life & Leisure Director, at karri.james@renlivingsw.com or 405.880.9576.

• Tiny Paws

  Who We Are

  Tiny Paws focuses primarily on taking in orphaned newborn baby kittens that cannot survive on their own. Unfortunately, without human intervention these babies wouldn't have the opportunity to grow into the loving individuals they'll soon become. A team of well-trained, dedicated staff and volunteers tend to the kittens around the clock, providing bottle-feeding and medical care under veterinary orders in a safe and healthy environment. Tiny Paws kittens also receive unparalleled intimate socialization with humans, creating lasting bonds and a natural predisposition for companionship. Once weaned, the kittens are readied for adoption and thoughtfully matched with their new family.

   

  Tiny Paws fills the gap left by area animal agencies that cannot provide labor intensive care for these infants. Without an organization like Tiny Paws fulfilling this role, kittens such as these are ordinarily euthanized or simply left to perish. Bottle-fed kittens are a high-risk, high-needs population for which most rescues aren't adequately funded, staffed, or equipped to provide the necessary care. It takes a awful lot to replace their Mama's care. Here at TPKR, We never refuse an infant kitten because of its medical condition. We are a no-kill rescue. We have a 100% spay/neuter policy.

   

  The kittens depend on us for their survival, and we depend on donations, financial and volunteer support, grants, and fundraising for our survival.  

  Positions Available

  Tiny Paws Kitten Rescue is looking for motivated, hardworking individuals to join our team as a part-time Rescue Cleaner/Housekeeper! This critical role helps to save the lives of kittens by assisting us to maintain the cleanliness of our shelter in downtown Stillwater.

  This person is tasked with, but not limited to:

  Feeding kittens

  · Sweeping, mopping floors, both cleaning and sanitizing countertops, furniture, carriers and cages.

  · Scooping litter boxes.

  · Physical strength and stamina to work extended periods, including lifting up to 30 lbs.

  · Refilling supplies, such as toilet paper, paper towels and litter.

  · Taking out trash.

  · Breaking down cardboard boxes.

  · Washing, folding and sorting laundry

  · Replenishing supplies

  · Other tasks as assigned

  This person must follow direction and procedure well, have a strong attention to detail and be dependable.

  Basic Qualifications:

  · Have a genuine affection for cats and a desire to provide them with sanitary and pleasant living conditions, although this role does not require direct care

  · Strong experience in cleaning and organization within a fast-paced environment

  · Readiness to be a team player

   

• Stillwater Medical Center

  Who We Are

  Our volunteers play an important and meaningful role in both patient and non-patient care areas. There are a variety of opportunities suitable for every type of schedule, personality, preference or skill set. Whether you prefer to have a lot of patient contact, provide emotional support for families, help with technical or administrative duties, or simply give of your time by supporting fundraising efforts, we can match you with a position that will make a difference. The key qualities we require of our volunteers are a helpful, caring attitude and a respect for confidentiality.

  Positions Available

  Where can I volunteer? Volunteers provide services throughout the hospital, in several service areas, including: Cancer Center, Emergency Department, Gift Shop, Lobby Reception, Medical Plaza Reception, Surgery Center West + Endoscopy, Same Day Surgery, Patient Services (errands/delivery).

  What do volunteers gain? Besides a sense of accomplishment and personal satisfaction, volunteers have the opportunity to make new friends, support a good cause, and possibly discover career opportunities.

  What do volunteers do? As a Stillwater Medical volunteer, you provide support to patients, families, and staff. From simple things like running errands and helping people find their destinations, to helping staff by restocking supplies, transporting patients, providing comfort care (a warm blanket, a smile and friendly face to chat with), and more, volunteers at Stillwater Medical make a great impact on patient satisfaction.

  Requirements: All volunteers must provide proof of MMR and Varicella vaccinations (most complete these as a young child), they must also provide recent testing results for Tuberculosis. COVID and Influenza (flu) vaccinations are recommended, but not required. For those who sign a waiver for either of these vaccinations, there can be additional requirements, such as masking. All volunteers are required to have a background check on file – this requires a Social Security number to complete.

   

• Payne County Youth Services 

  Who We Are

  Payne County Youth Services is dedicated to providing free quality services for the positive development and 
  recovery of children, youth and families. The purpose of our organization is to establish and maintain a system of 
  programs, facilities, and staff to improve the lives of children, youth and families throughout Payne County, OK. 

  Positions Available

  • Emergency Youth Shelter Volunteer 
  • Safe Place Site Check/Site Support Volunteer
  • Volunteer Tutoring and Mentoring
  • Special Projects Volunteer 
  • Shelter Repair and Maintenance 
  • Technical Support (IT) Volunteer 
  • Marketing Volunteer
• StillWonder

  Who We Are

  Learning through play is a vital way for children to discover and develop their potential. StillWonder Children's Museum is launching a series of popups where play inspires wonder to bring this concept to our local community. Our goal is to create an educational experience that conveys knowledge through touch, sight, sound, and interactive modules, providing a unique contribution to Stillwater, Oklahoma.

   

  Mission Statement: Bring the community together in an immersive, innovative, and inclusive space where everyone can find the fun in learning.

   

  We serve EVERYONE. We support every child looking for a place to learn through play and every caring adult in their lives looking for stimulating activities. Right now, we are focused on popups and events throughout Stillwater. These popups are mobile, learn through play stations where StillWonder provides the necessary materials, exhibits and activities to already established locations and events. For example, we have a partnership at The Botanic Gardens at OSU the 4th Saturday of every month located in various spaces throughout the gardens including the brand-new horticulture center.

   

  Learn more about us at stillwonder.org or follow us on Facebook and Instagram @stillwonderOK.

  Positions Available

  Want to be part of something amazing? StillWonder has tons of volunteer opportunities, including the chance to help build a children’s museum from the ground up!

   

  · Business Enthusiasts: Volunteer alongside some of the sharpest business minds in town as we finalize our business plan, run a live sponsorship campaign, and search for a permanent location.

  · Child Development Fans: Help plan, manage, and implement child development activities during our pop-ups. These events not only boost community involvement but also lay a solid foundation for the museum's future. You’ll provide engaging experiences for families and children, fostering a sense of wonder and exploration.

  · STEAM Innovators: Dive into designing, building, and retrofitting exhibits for our pop-ups and future permanent location! Your ideas and projects could inspire the next generation of STEAM students, with the potential to become part of a permanent museum space.

   

  Ready to make a difference? Join us in creating something extraordinary!

   

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma

  Who We Are

  BBSOK is the largest mentoring nonprofit in the nation. We pair adult mentors 18 and over (Bigs) with children 6-15 (Littles) in a one-to-one mentoring relationship to ignite the child’s promise and potential. We need volunteer mentors! It is easy and fun, only four hours a month and we have staff that will assist you during the course of your match. Every bit of time spent with our staff (over the phone and in person) and your Little counts toward your volunteer hours.

   

  Positions Available

  School Matches 

  • Meet with your Little at a local elementary school in Stillwater in coordination with teacher.
  • School year commitment, meeting with your Little 45-60 minutes a week, one day a week, while school is in session.
  • Play board games, walk outside, or eat lunch together.

   Community Matches 

  • Meet with your Little for one hour a month, once a week, wherever you decide in coordination with parents.
  • One-year commitment, meeting semi-regularly, but flexible schedule throughout the year.
  • Do fun things around town with your Little, like go to the park, attend a sporting event or visit a restaurant.

   100% of Littles in our program will choose to graduate high school, and a positive role model helps them avoid risky behaviors. When we strengthen kids, we make our community better! The impact you will make on a child will last a lifetime! Join us and do Big things today!

Application

Want to participate in our Volunteer Placement Program? Please complete the following application. After completion of the application the Student Volunteer Center will pair you with one of the listed local agencies. After being paired you will be required to complete the agency's application process for their records.

Application opens Monday, January 13th at 8:00am and will close Friday, January 24th at 11:59pm.

Apply Here